I read with interest about MoveOn groups nationally petitioning to sever sister-city relationships with Russia because of President Vladimir Putin's positions against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, and of the local petition that asks Mayor Jerry Jennings to suspend Albany's relationship with Tula, Oblast, Russia.
Just like in the United States, Russia has a diverse population with values flowing from history, religion, formal education, family teachings and personal experiences. Our two countries share many values, but not all.
Even after 200 years of self-governance, we are not unified in all our values. Who are we to impose our values and our way of life on others?
Considering the values and education of most people in this country as well as the leadership abilities of those here, before we try to dictate our values and way of life to others, we should make every effort to understand and, for the most part, tolerate the values and people in other countries (unless they are a danger to this country).
From its beginning more than 20 years ago, the Albany-Tula Alliance has evolved into an organization that works with our Russian partners in universities, colleges and high schools sponsoring Olympiads and essay contests, dealing with public health and environmental issues, supporting business exchange and incubator programs, and getting to know and understand each other.
The people of our sister cities have collaborated in many areas of community life, forming partnerships and friendships to further education and culture as well as economic and business development.
Alliance members from the U.S. and Russia have had their hearts and minds expanded, their perspectives enriched, and their friendships increased.
To learn more about the Albany-Tula Alliance visit http://www.albanytula.org.
Charlotte S. Buchanan
Glenmont
Founder, Albany-Tula Alliance Inc.